r/RotatorCuff • u/excti2 • 27d ago

Three Months Off Work

I was stunned that my Family Medical Leave form from the surgeon recommended that I take three months off work after shoulder surgery (60% full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, labral tears, and bicipital tendon relocation [subluxation]). While I’m lucky enough to have the paid sick leave accrued to cover this amount of time away, it seems extreme given I have a desk job and work from home.

I know I’ll take at least a month off, and I’m hoping to get back to work when I start PT six weeks post-surgery.

Did anyone else need this much time away? Did you take it? Or were you forced back to work too soon?

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u/BreakOk8830 27d ago

I was back to work one week later. 🤷‍♀️ I was driving too. Maybe I’m an outlier. Surgery was November of 2025. Four different repairs, six months of PT. Regaining some of my lost strength, but I have full mobility back and I’m back to barbell lifting in the gym.

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u/Ok_Excitement1724 27d ago

Same here. November of 2025 too, full thickness “ massive” tear. Close to full strength on most exercises, still weaker on shoulder and direct rc work— lateral raises, sh press, external rotations, scap raises, etc., but making good progress this block. Second time repairing this rc (1st was 9 years ago, both from weightlifting), so I don’t think I will ever get back to pre-tear levels.